A near-collision between a train and semi-truck in Crestwood Friday has county officials urging CSX to make changes.

Submitted photo

A truck driver from Michigan became stranded at a railroad crossing in Crestwood known for its steep incline. Signs warning of the incline and that also say “no trucks” don’t seem to deter drivers. A CSX train stopped just 50 feet short of the truck.

According to witness accounts, within minutes of the truck becoming stranded on the track, crossing gates lowered and bells warned of an oncoming train.

The truck driver, as well as other bystanders, began signaling the train’s conductor to stop.

Fortunately, Deputy Judge-Executive John Black was at the intersection and had already called Oldham County Dispatch and had them contact CSX.

An emergency message had been received by the train’s conductor, who applied the air brakes of the 7,000-foot-long train immediately.

The train came to a stop less than 50 feet from the semi.

Black was at the intersection to consider options that would prevent similar situations from occurring — he and Judge-Executive David Voegele have been in contact with CSX officials about improving safety at the intersection long before Friday’s incident.

Voegele said they had discussed wanting to construct a metal archway above the road to prevent trucks from entering the intersection with CSX officials early last week.